Good Answer

Jeff Johns is a no nonsense kind of guy. The 25-year-old's ballot responses were to the point, but showed a wry sense of humor. His vote for "Best Philanthropist": THAT GUY WHO BOUGHT A ROUND LAST NIGHT. Spokane's "Best Hot New Nightspot": THERE IS NOTHING NEW HERE. Nevertheless, in the nightlife category he still has some old favorites worth passing on.

Tucked away between the freeway and the Sunset Highway in west Spokane is his pick for "Best Bar," THE SWAMP, which Johns describes as a quiet "dive bar" that attracts a regular crowd from Browne's Addition. But his favorite bartender is downtown at the recently opened QUINN'S restaurant at Sprague and Lincoln. Not only is Kevin an old school chum, but "he doesn't spill much beer when he pours it," says Jeff.

For a quieter night at the movies, John's vote for "Best Theater" goes to the GARLAND. He prefers the vintage, discount theater to the "overpriced" movie houses showing new releases. And besides, "The Garland has a little class," he adds.

Johns, a cook at River Park Square's Sawtooth Grill, sometimes wraps up his evening at DEMPSEY'S BRASS RAIL downtown. There are no stand-up comics there, but the place still gets his vote for "Best Comedy Club." With doors open till 4 am, "every drunk person who doesn't want to go home is there," he says.